Fresh Spinach, Pear & Cranberry Salad with Feta and Maple-Balsamic Dressing

Fresh Spinach, Pear & Cranberry Salad with Feta and Maple-Balsamic Dressing is a fresh, colourful salad that brings together tender baby spinach, juicy pears, sweet dried cranberries, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and bright pomegranate seeds. Every bite has a lovely balance of sweet, savoury, tangy, and nutty flavours.

The maple-balsamic dressing adds a lightly sweet and tangy finish that ties everything together without overpowering the fresh ingredients. It is simple enough for a quick lunch but elegant enough to serve alongside a special dinner or holiday meal.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach (180 g)
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced (340 g)
• ½ cup dried cranberries (60 g)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (75 g)
• ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped (55 g)
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (30 g)
• ¼ cup pomegranate seeds (40 g)

For the Maple-Balsamic Dressing:

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (45 ml)
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (30 ml)
• 1½ tbsp pure maple syrup (30 g)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (5 g)
• ½ tsp garlic powder (1.5 g)
• ¼ tsp salt (1 g)
• ¼ tsp black pepper (0.5 g)

How to Make It

1. Prepare the Salad

Place the fresh baby spinach in a large salad bowl or serving platter. Add the thinly sliced pears, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, sliced red onion, and pomegranate seeds.

2. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

3. Dress the Salad

Pour the maple-balsamic dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss everything together so the spinach and other ingredients are evenly coated. Take care not to break up the pear slices or feta too much.

4. Serve

Serve the salad immediately while the spinach is fresh and crisp. If preparing it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving for the best texture.

Why This Recipe Works

This salad works because it combines a variety of textures and flavours in every bite. Tender spinach provides a fresh base, while juicy pears and dried cranberries add natural sweetness. Creamy feta and crunchy walnuts bring savoury and nutty elements, while pomegranate seeds add a bright, juicy contrast.

The maple-balsamic dressing brings the ingredients together with a simple combination of sweet maple syrup, tangy balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and extra-virgin olive oil. The result is a balanced dressing that complements both the fruit and savoury ingredients.

Tips for the Best Fresh Spinach, Pear & Cranberry Salad

• Choose firm-ripe pears: Use pears that are ripe enough to be juicy but still firm so they hold their shape when sliced and tossed.
• Keep the spinach fresh: Make sure the spinach is well drained before assembling the salad so the dressing coats the leaves properly.
• Add the dressing at the end: Toss the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and fresh.
• Slice the pears just before serving: This helps maintain their fresh appearance and texture.
• Keep the feta intact: Gently toss the salad so the feta remains in small creamy pieces rather than becoming overly mixed into the dressing.
• Prepare ahead: Assemble the salad ingredients in advance, but store the dressing separately until you are ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

This spinach and pear salad makes a lovely side dish for roasted vegetables, chicken, turkey, or other hearty main dishes. Its fresh fruit, creamy feta, and sweet-tangy dressing also make it a natural addition to a festive or holiday table.

For a simple lunch, serve a generous portion on its own or pair it with your favourite protein and some crusty bread. Add the dressing gradually so you can keep the salad lightly coated and maintain the fresh texture of the spinach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pears work best for this salad?

Firm-ripe pears work well because they provide sweetness while still holding their shape when thinly sliced. Choose pears that feel slightly firm rather than very soft.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes. The spinach, pears, cranberries, feta, walnuts, red onion, and pomegranate seeds can be assembled ahead of time. Keep the maple-balsamic dressing separate and toss it through the salad just before serving.

Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Yes. Goat cheese or another mild crumbly cheese can be used if preferred. The flavour will change slightly, but the creamy texture will still complement the pears and cranberries.

Can I use toasted walnuts?

Yes. Lightly toasting the walnuts can add extra crunch and a deeper nutty flavour. Allow them to cool before adding them to the salad.

How should I store leftovers?

For the best texture, store any undressed salad and the dressing separately in the refrigerator. Once dressed, the spinach will gradually soften, so leftovers are best enjoyed as soon as possible.

Can I make the dressing in advance?

Yes. The maple-balsamic dressing can be whisked together ahead of time and kept covered until needed. Give it a quick whisk or shake before dressing the salad.

Nutrition & Timing

Details	Amount
Servings	6
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes
Calories	285 per serving
Protein	6 g
Carbohydrates	30 g
Fat	17 g
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	20 g
Sodium	360 mg

Final Thoughts

Fresh Spinach, Pear & Cranberry Salad with Feta and Maple-Balsamic Dressing is an easy way to turn simple ingredients into a colourful and flavourful salad. The combination of fresh greens, sweet fruit, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and pomegranate seeds makes it both satisfying and visually appealing.

With its quick preparation and simple homemade dressing, this salad is easy to add to everyday meals while still feeling special enough for entertaining. Keep the dressing separate until serving, and you can have a fresh, crisp salad ready whenever you need it.

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